"We're underpaid, I'll guarantee you that. every year we say, "It'll get better next year, it'll get better next year.' It's been 27 years that we've been looking at this," said Sgt. Tim Holland.

Holland, along with other deputies, picketed outside the Sheriff's Department Tuesday morning.

The last contract for the deputies was written in 2009 and expired in 2011. Officials said there have been a number of offers and counter offers since then in negotiating a new contract, but the deputies and the county have yet to come to an agreement.

"We met last June, that was our last meeting date, and we put an offer on the table and the Teamsters walked out. They said we'd be hearing from them," said Scott Cole, county administrator.

Cole said despite making progress on other contract issues -- like promotions, overtime and assignments -- the pay increase is a sticking point. He said it would put stress on an already tight county budget.

The deputies said in addition to working without a contract, they haven't had a pay raise in four years.

"I've been a sergeant for 21 years, and a lot of them are making double what I make," said Holland.

He said their duties go beyond what most would think of in Oxford County. Just 19 deputies patrol 2,200 miles from the boarders between York County and Quebec. In that space, they respond to emergency calls county wide for 28 towns that don't have a police force and they also protect the U.S.-Canadian border.

"Guys have put their lives on the line out here day after day after day and I think they're looking for an equal wage," said Holland.

Sheriff Wayne Gallant, who is not involved in the contract negotiations, said he understands what his staff is asking for.

Cole said he hopes to get back to the bargaining table soon so that everyone can move forward.